French President highlights importance of dialogue about Iran nuclear issue

TEHRAN,July 14(MNA) – French President Francois Hollande highlighted the importance of dialogue between Iran and the six major powers about the country’s nuclear issue. Hollande made the remarks during a meeting with new Iranian ambassador to France, Ali Ahani, on Wednesday. He also said that France is closely monitoring the process of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) while respecting the Islamic Republic’s independence. The French people have fought for and carefully preserved their independence and fully respect the nations that hold the same view about their independence, he added. The latest round of high-level talks between Tehran and world powers about the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program was held in Moscow on June 18 and 19. No date has been set for a new round of talks. The Iranian ambassador also underlined the need for increased cooperation and consultations between the two countries. Ahani expressed hope that France, as a country which is known for defending international law, would play an effective role in establishing the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation within the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty because the Islamic Republic, as a signatory to the treaty, has never been in pursuit of nuclear weapons and has only been seeking to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.